Comparing the Clasico Records of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Both enjoy astonishing overall records for Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively, but how do Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo fare when the rival clubs meet in El Clasico?

The Argentine has played Real Madrid twice in the Champions League: 14 times in La Liga, five times in the Copa Del Rey and on four occasions in the Spanish Supercopa.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, has met Barcelona twice in the Champions League (not including the three times he played them in Manchester United colors), eight times in the league, five times in the Copa Del Rey and four times in the Supercopa.

Based on the numbers, Messi's record is clearly superior to that of the Portuguese, as he enjoys a winning percentage of 44 percent and an average of 0.72 goals per game, compared to Ronaldo's winning percentage of 26 percent and strike rate of 0.63.

The Barcelona No. 10 has also been far more prolific in assisting his teammates, setting up 10 more goals than his Madrid counterpart.

Ronaldo could (and probably would) argue that he has closed the gap somewhat in recent times, however, as in the last six games between the Spanish giants (including both legs of the Supercopa), he has scored six times to Messi's five.

The Argentina captain is currently tied with Alfredo Di Stefano as the all-time top scorer in El Clasico, while in October, 2012, Cristiano became the first player to score in six consecutive Barcelona-Real Madrid matches.

Let's take a look at the two players' statistics and focus on three of each player's most memorable Clasicos:

April, 2011. In the biggest Clasico encounter in recent years, Messi stamped his class on the Champions League semi-finals with an excellent pair of goals. The second strike was unforgettably brilliant.

April, 2012. In arguably his finest Clasico moment, Ronaldo scored a 73rd-minute winner at the Camp Nou. It was Real Madrid's first win in eight league matches against their archrivals and sent Los Blancos on their way to their first La Liga win in four years.